Mares Torch EOS 32LRZ Dive Light

Lumens measure the total light output, but they say nothing about how that light is shaped, so a tight narrow beam can look far brighter at distance than a higher-lumen wide beam. Beam angle, color temperature, and water clarity affect what you actually see as much as the lumen figure does. Use lumens to compare lights of a similar beam type rather than as a single score of quality.

A primary light is your main light, usually brighter, larger, and with a longer burn time, while a backup is a small, simple light carried in case the primary fails. Any dive where you need a light to exit safely, such as a night dive, calls for carrying at least one backup. Backups are chosen for reliability and simplicity rather than for maximum output.

Burn time and brightness trade directly against each other, so the same battery run at a lower power setting lasts substantially longer. Manufacturers usually quote burn time at each power level, and many lights automatically step down output as the battery drains or the head heats up. Treat quoted figures as fresh-battery, ideal-condition numbers and plan for more burn time than your dive actually needs.

The o-rings sealing the battery compartment are what keep the light from flooding, so inspect them for grit, hair, and nicks every time you open it, and wipe the sealing surfaces clean. Lubricate lightly with the grease type the manufacturer specifies, using a thin film rather than a heavy coat, because excess grease attracts sand. Replace o-rings when they look flattened, cracked, or dry, and do not over-tighten the cap in the hope of sealing a bad o-ring.

Lithium batteries are subject to airline and regulatory limits that vary by cell chemistry, watt-hour rating, and whether the cells are installed or loose. As a general rule lithium cells travel in carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage, with terminals protected against short circuit, but you must confirm your airline's current policy and any local rules before you fly. Carrying the manufacturer's battery specification sheet helps if you are questioned at screening.

Rinse it in fresh water after each dive day and work the switch while it is submerged so salt does not crystallize inside it, then dry it before opening. For storage, remove or charge the batteries as the manual directs, and leave the cap loose so the o-ring does not take a permanent set. Never store a light with corroded or leaking cells inside it.

Test it briefly as part of your pre-dive check, but do not leave a powerful light running in air, because many are designed to shed heat into the water and can overheat on the surface. Check the manual, as some lights have thermal protection that dims or shuts them down when they are dry. Testing before you gear up is far better than discovering a dead light at depth.

The EOS 32LRZ uses a magnetically operated adjustment: you rotate the head to move between a narrow and a wide beam. At 1 m distance the tight setting gives a 12 degree hot spot about 300 mm / 11.8 in across, while the wide setting opens to a 75 degree corona about 1350 mm / 53 in across. That lets one torch serve both spot work and wide-angle viewing.

Charging takes about 7 hours using a 5V 1A adapter, or roughly 14 hours from a computer USB port supplying 500 mA. The USB charging cable is included, and an LED charge indicator shows charging progress. The battery is integrated and rechargeable, so you charge the torch itself rather than swapping cells.

The maximum operating depth is 120 m / 393 ft, which covers recreational and technical recreational depth ranges. The body is aluminium, measuring 225 mm / 8.8 in long with a 34 mm / 1.3 in body diameter and 62 mm / 2.4 in head, and it weighs 605 g / 21 oz with the battery installed.

There are four modes: full power at 3200 lumens, low power at 930 lumens, flashing/SOS and off, selected with the multifunction mechanical switch that also carries a battery charge indicator. An electronic safety switch requires a double-click to turn the torch on, which prevents accidental activation during transport or storage.